In this thought-provoking Podcast episode, hosted by Ben Wakeling, Rob Houlston, Structural Engineer and Shawn Galliers, Director of Sustainability, explores how structural engineering can play a pivotal role in the reuse of existing buildings, offering both sustainability and cost-efficiency benefits. Drawing parallels with other industries-like fashion, electronics, and automotives.
Retaining the structural frame of a building can save embodied carbon and costs compared to full demolition and rebuild. These savings are not just environmental- they’re economic. By approaching buildings from a lifecycle perspective, engineers can unlock value across carbon, material, energy, and cost.
Other industries reuse and repair things like clothes, gadgets and cars, so why not buildings?
Structural engineers are central to this shift. Their responsibilities span:
The new emphasis is that design is about accommodating change, not compromising vision. This mindset is key when adapting buildings for new uses-whether increasing floor space, changing function, or meeting heritage planning requirements.
Historically, buildings were overdesigned due to limited analysis tools-relying on calculators and rules of thumb. Today, engineers must revisit assumptions and ask:
Real-world examples, like masonry walls that defy conventional calculations, highlight the need for a deeper understanding of materials in practice.
Traditionally, success in construction was measured by time and cost. But as society shifts toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and organic food, the pressure is on architects and engineers to lead the way in sustainable transformation.
🎧 Listen Now!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable development, adaptive reuse, and the evolving role of structural engineers in shaping a low-carbon future.
Stay tuned for future podcast episodes!
In this episode of the Brookbanks podcast, Danny Lloyd-Jones and Jack Kenny from Brookbanks join Guy Kippen of Prime Plc to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare development in the UK. Together, they discuss innovative approaches to improving NHS infrastructure and creating better environments for staff and patients.
2025 was a year of transformation for Brookbanks. From unlocking land to shaping communities, we’ve worked tirelessly to deliver projects that make a real difference. Here’s a look back at what we achieved and a glimpse of what’s ahead.
In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) developers in meeting the UK Government’s ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament term.